
Join the 63 Nayanars Charitable Trust in performing Annadhanam on the auspicious occasion of Diwali Amavasya at Tiruvannamalai. On this sacred day dedicated to remembering and honouring our ancestors, freshly prepared meals will be offered to hundreds of Sadhus and spiritual seekers at the holy abode of Lord Arunachaleswarar. Your contribution helps continue this act of compassion and devotion, seeking the divine blessings of our Pitrus for peace, prosperity and the well being of future generations.
The story
Om Namah Shivaya Pitrudevaya Namah
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Om Arunachaleshwaraya Namah Pitrubhyo Swaha
Diwali Amavasya, the new moon day associated with the festival of lights, holds a special place in Hindu tradition. While Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of righteousness, Amavasya is also regarded as an auspicious occasion for remembering our departed ancestors and expressing gratitude towards the generations who came before us.
In Hindu tradition, our ancestors, known as Pitrus, are honoured through prayers, tarpanam, charity and acts of compassion. Their blessings are traditionally sought for the peace, prosperity, protection and well being of the family lineage.
The observance of Amavasya reminds us that our lives are connected to the generations before us. The values, traditions and blessings passed down by our forefathers continue to guide our families. Remembering them with devotion and performing charitable acts in their honour is considered a meaningful expression of gratitude.
Among the various forms of charity prescribed in Hindu tradition, Annadhanam holds an especially sacred place. Offering food to those in need on Amavasya is traditionally believed to bring spiritual merit and dedicate the goodness of the offering to the departed ancestors.
On this auspicious Diwali Amavasya, let us remember our Pitrus through the noble act of feeding Sadhus at the sacred Arunachala.
In Hindu spiritual tradition, Pitru Dosha is associated with unresolved ancestral obligations, neglected ancestral rites or karmic influences believed to affect a family lineage. Our ancient traditions place great importance on remembering departed ancestors and fulfilling our responsibilities towards them through appropriate prayers, rituals and charitable offerings.
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According to traditional beliefs, unresolved ancestral obligations may be associated with difficulties and repeated obstacles in family life. These may be understood through concerns such as delayed marriages, financial challenges, family disputes and a lack of peace or harmony.
The purpose of Pitru worship is not merely to perform a ritual. It is an opportunity to express gratitude, remember our ancestors with reverence and pray for their peace and spiritual well being.
Amavasya is considered particularly suitable for such observances. Devotees traditionally perform Tarpanam, offer prayers and undertake charitable activities in remembrance of their forefathers.
Annadhanam is one of the most compassionate ways to dedicate an offering to our ancestors. By feeding Sadhus and spiritual seekers, devotees participate in a sacred tradition of giving without expecting anything in return.
Among all forms of charity, Annadhanam is regarded in Hindu tradition as one of the greatest acts of giving. Food sustains life, provides nourishment and brings relief to those who depend on the kindness of others.
The traditional saying "Anna Danam Maha Danam" expresses the importance of food donation as a noble and sacred offering.
Unlike material gifts, food directly fulfils an essential human need. When a meal is offered with humility, devotion and compassion, the act becomes more than charity. It becomes an expression of service and gratitude.
In the context of Pitru worship, Annadhanam is traditionally performed as an act of punya dedicated to departed ancestors. Feeding Sadhus and spiritual seekers on Amavasya is believed to bring spiritual merit and invoke the blessings of the Pitrus upon the family.
The offering is associated with several traditional spiritual benefits:
1. Seeking the Blessings of Departed Ancestors
Performing Annadhanam in remembrance of our forefathers is traditionally believed to bring their blessings to the family. It is an expression of gratitude towards those whose lives and sacrifices made our present possible.
2. Prayers for Pitru Shanti
Charitable offerings made on Amavasya are traditionally associated with prayers for the peace and spiritual well being of departed ancestors. Annadhanam becomes a meaningful way to dedicate punya to their memory.
3. Relief from Pitru Dosha
According to Hindu beliefs, performing ancestral observances, charitable acts and Annadhanam with sincerity is considered a way to address ancestral obligations and seek relief from Pitru Dosha.
4. Peace and Prosperity for the Family
Annadhanam performed with devotion is traditionally associated with blessings for family harmony, health, prosperity and happiness. It encourages gratitude and compassion within the family lineage.
5. Accumulation of Punya
Offering food to Sadhus and those in need is regarded as a meritorious act. The spiritual merit of charity is traditionally dedicated to the welfare of departed ancestors and future generations.
6. Compassion and Selfless Service
Feeding someone without expecting anything in return is a beautiful expression of humanity. Annadhanam teaches us that devotion is not limited to prayers and rituals but is also reflected through acts of kindness.
Tiruvannamalai is one of the most sacred Shaiva pilgrimage destinations in India, blessed by the divine presence of Lord Arunachaleswarar. The magnificent Arunachala Hill is worshipped as Lord Shiva himself, representing the eternal element of fire and the supreme divine light.
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of divine fire before Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, revealing His limitless and eternal nature. This divine manifestation is worshipped as Arunachala.
The sacred hill attracts devotees, Sadhus, saints and spiritual seekers throughout the year. Many undertake the 14 kilometre Girivalam around Arunachala, visiting the Ashta Lingams and offering their prayers to Lord Arunachaleswarar.
For those who come to Tiruvannamalai in search of spiritual fulfilment, the opportunity to serve others is itself a sacred blessing.
Feeding Sadhus at the holy abode of Arunachala is traditionally regarded as a deeply meaningful form of Shiva Seva. Shaiva tradition teaches that serving the devotees of Lord Shiva is an expression of devotion to Maheshwara himself.
When Annadhanam is performed at this sacred place on Diwali Amavasya, it brings together two meaningful traditions: honouring our ancestors and serving Shiva devotees.
The offering becomes an act of gratitude towards our Pitrus and a prayer to Lord Arunachaleswarar for the welfare of our families.
In the Shaiva tradition, Maheshwara Puja is a sacred form of worship in which food is respectfully offered to Sadhus and devotees of Lord Shiva.
The word Maheshwara represents Lord Shiva, the supreme divine consciousness. Serving those who dedicate their lives to prayer, meditation and spiritual pursuits is considered a meaningful expression of devotion.
The lives of the 63 Nayanmars stand as timeless examples of unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva and compassionate service to His devotees.
These great Shaiva saints demonstrated that true Bhakti is expressed not only through worship but also through humility, generosity and selfless service.
Maheshwara Puja follows this sacred path. Food is prepared with care and offered with reverence before being served to Sadhus and spiritual seekers.
On Diwali Amavasya, participating in Annadhanam through this tradition is an opportunity to honour our ancestors while continuing the timeless path of Shiva Bhakti.
Sadhus and spiritual seekers dedicate their lives to spiritual discipline, prayer, meditation and the pursuit of divine knowledge. Many travel from different places to spend time at sacred pilgrimage destinations such as Tiruvannamalai.
A nourishing meal offered to them is an act of kindness that supports their spiritual journey and provides comfort during their stay.
In Hindu tradition, feeding Sadhus is considered a meritorious act because it combines Annadhanam with the service of Shiva devotees.
On an auspicious day such as Diwali Amavasya, devotees can dedicate this act of charity to their departed parents, grandparents and ancestors.
Rather than limiting remembrance to prayers alone, Annadhanam allows us to express gratitude through a compassionate action that benefits others.
Every meal served becomes an offering made with devotion. Every contribution becomes an opportunity to participate in this sacred tradition.
On 8th November 2026, the 63 Nayanars Charitable Trust will undertake a special Annadhanam seva at Tiruvannamalai on the auspicious occasion of Diwali Amavasya.
Hundreds of Sadhus and spiritual seekers will be served freshly prepared vegetarian meals with devotion and care.
This seva is dedicated to the remembrance and well being of departed ancestors, seeking the blessings of the Pitrus and the divine grace of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
Through this initiative, devotees can participate in Annadhanam even if they are unable to travel to Tiruvannamalai personally.
Your contribution will support the preparation and serving of meals to Sadhus on this sacred occasion.
The seva is undertaken in the spirit of traditional Annadhanam and Maheshwara Seva, following the values of compassion and selfless service demonstrated by the 63 Nayanmars.
By participating, you become part of an offering dedicated to your ancestors and an act of nourishment for those who have gathered at Arunachala.
Our ancestors have given us our lives, traditions, values and family heritage. Remembering them with gratitude is a responsibility that connects generations.
This Diwali Amavasya, dedicate an offering in memory of your departed parents, grandparents and forefathers.
Participate in Annadhanam and help serve Sadhus at the sacred Arunachala. Let this act of compassion become an offering of gratitude to your Pitrus and a prayer for peace, prosperity and well being in your family.
Whether your contribution is small or large, every offering helps nourish someone and continues the sacred tradition of Annadhanam.
Join the 63 Nayanars Charitable Trust, Tiruvannamalai, in performing this special Diwali Amavasya Annadhanam.
May our ancestors receive our prayers and remembrance. May Lord Arunachaleswarar bless every family with peace, good health, prosperity and spiritual wisdom.
Om Namah Shivaya.
Om Arunachaleshwaraya Namah.
Om Pitrubhyo Namah.
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